Vendor arrested for selling protected fish

PHUKET TOWN: A vendor has been arrested for selling protected fish species at the Rassada Pier today, just days after Phuket Senator Paiboon Upatising lodged an official complaint with Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi about gaps in the law that allow many arrested for illegal fishing to walk free. Acting on a tip-off, the Marine Police and officers from the Provincial Fisheries Department (PFD) arrested Apinan Jirasantikul, 34, at his home near the pier. He was found in possession of 15 kilograms of protected fish species, including Kheetung, Khaw Mao, Butterfly fish, Parrot fish and Salid. Kawi Saranakomgul, Biologist at the PFD, said that Apinan faces a charge of illegal possession of a protected species, for which the maximum penalty is up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. He added, “Right now, the demand for these types of fish is very high, especially in markets abroad and at Chatujak Market in Bangkok. Every day, these fish are being transported to Bangkok, Singapore and Malaysia.” Vice Governor Manit Wattanasen said today that efforts are underway to crack down on illegal fishing, but that existing laws make it difficult. “The Governor has ordered me and other government officers to strictly enforce our protection law,” he said today. “But right now, the law still has a loophole because it applies only to Phuket. “Whenever police arrest suspects, they always say that they caught their fish in other provinces [outside of the specified areas where fish are protected],” he explained.

UPDATE: Water truck driver presents himself to police after motorcycle death on Kata hill

A water truck driver has presented himself to Karon Police after yesterday’s road accident on Kata Hill that killed a female motorcycle rider.

She died after skidding on oil spilled on the road, falling off the motorbike and being crushed by a water truck in Kata last night. Two others motorists following being also crashed and sustained injuries.

This morning the water truck driver, Apichart Sripan, has himself to Karon Police for questioning over the incident.

Karon Police report that a drug and alcohol test has been conducted returning a zero result. But he has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and death.

In our earlier report, police say witnesses report the truck stopped 100 metres down the road. They say the driver got out of the truck to inspect the wheels. Witnesses tried to take photo of him but he got back into his truck and sped away.

Motorbike driver dies, another person injured after car driver slams into them

A female motorbike driver has died while a male car driver has sustained injuries after a second car driver fell asleep at the wheel in Thalang crashing into them.

The incident happened on Srisoonthorn Road in Thalang at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Police and emergency responders arrived to find a damaged motorbike and two damaged cars.

Police report that the car driver, Dechawat Taechanitisawat, fell asleep at the wheel. He lost control of his vehicle before colliding with the motorbike whose driver was 34 year old Ms Tanakorn Chadaphon and another car driven by 39 year old Pradit Ruecha.

They were both rushed to Thalang Hospital where Ms Tanakorn was later pronounced dead.

Police are continuing their investigation and will charge Dechawat Taechanitisawat.

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